Classic Poem

A WAR SONG OF THE FUTURE.

Marching down to Armageddon —
Brothers, stout and strong!
Let us cheer the way we tread on
With a soldier's song!
Faint we by the weary road,
Or fall we in the rout,
Dirge or Paean, Death or Triumph! —
Let the song ring out!

We are they who scorn the scorners —
Love the lovers — hate
None within the world's four corners —
All must share one fate;
We are they whose common banner
Bears no badge nor sign,
Save the Light which dyes it white —
The Hope that makes it shine.

We are they whose bugle rings,
That all the wars may cease;
We are they will pay the Kings
Their cruel price for Peace;
We are they whose steadfast watchword
Is what Christ did teach, —
" Each man for his Brother first —
And Heaven, then, for each. "

We are they who will not falter —
Many swords or few —
Till we make this Earth the altar
Of a worship new;
We are they who will not take
From palace, priest, or code,
A meaner Law than " Brotherhood " —
A lower Lord than God .

Marching down to Armageddon —
Brothers, stout and strong!
Ask not why the way we tread on
Is so rough and long!
God will tell us when our spirits
Grow to grasp His plan!
Let us do our part to-day —
And help Him, helping Man!

Shall we even curse the madness,
Which for " ends of State "
Dooms us to the long, long sadness
Of this human hate?
Let us slay in perfect pity
Those that must not live;
Vanquish, and forgive our foes —
Or fall — and still forgive!

We are those whose unpaid legions,
In free ranks arrayed,
Massacred in many regions —
Never once were stayed:
We are they whose torn battalions,
Trained to bleed, not fly,
Make our agonies a triumph, —
Conquer, while we die!

Therefore, down to Armageddon —
Brothers, bold and strong;
Cheer the glorious way we tread on
With this soldier's song!
Let the armies of the old Flags
March in silent dread!
Death and Life are one to us,
Who fight for Quick and Dead!